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Sheriff Joski: Implements of Husbandry changes continue

In the past I have reported on the work that we have been doing in regards to Implements of Husbandry. Over the past year a group consisting of local officials, farmers and haulers have met numerous times to discuss ways in which we can improve the communication between those operating these pieces of equipment on the road and the governing bodies that are responsible for the well being of those roads.

Much of our work focused on improving visibility for transfer sites, and limiting the impact that this equipment has on the roads. At the same time a new piece of legislation has been introduced and passed which updates many of the laws pertaining to height, width, length and weight of equipment classified as Implements of Husbandry, Agricultural Commercial Motor Vehicles or Commercial Motor Vehicles. The new legislation also addressed the need for increased visibility and has various requirements pertaining to lighting on these pieces of equipment.

Probably the most comprehensive portion of this new legislation is the introduction of a “No Fee Permit” process. What this does is first require the road maintenance authority (state, county, town, village, or city) to establish a weight limit on their roads. Once they have done this, then the haulers review their scope of work and whether or not they will potentially go over that weight. If they anticipate going over the designated weight, they must then pursue a no fee permit through that jurisdiction which indicates the weights as well as desired routes they will be using. The jurisdiction can either approve the route plan, or deny it based on their knowledge of the given roadway and its limitations. If denied there is a requirement that the jurisdiction offer an alternative route plan.

The primary purpose of this process is to open the lines of communication between the haulers and the local municipalities in an effort to minimize the impact of these large pieces of equipment on the roads.

As in any new piece of legislation, the difficult part will be the transition into first understanding all of the components and then overall compliance. We have already held numerous presentations and will be holding two more sessions at 7 p.m. March 9 and 10 a.m. March 10. Both of these sessions will be held at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall. Also more information can be found at www.agvehicles.dot.wi.gov